Brad Flory column: Jackson is in need of Coney Dog Centennial

Jackson’s magnificent place in culinary history is now confirmed as both real and dripping with social importance.

The History Channel says so.

A History Channel show called “American Pickers” recently paid tribute when the hosts, Frank and Mike, visited Michigan.

“You know what I want to do while I’m in Michigan?” Mike said. “I want to eat coney dogs. I mean, coney dogs were invented in Michigan.”

“They were?” Frank asked.

“Yeah, right here, man,” Mike said. “This is like sacred coney dog territory. The Coney Island dog was invented in Jackson, Mich. I know this because I am a hot dog connoisseur.”

This was surprising because Jackson’s parentage of the coney dog is not widely known or fully accepted even in Michigan.

Origins of the humble coney are difficult to document, but the best information I find favors Jackson.

The eatery now called Jackson Coney Island started in 1913, and the city’s first coney chefs bought it a year later. Jackson coney dogs thus trace back to 1914. Detroit’s first coney joint, American Coney Island, opened in 1917. The Flint Original Coney Island Lunch is said to date from 1919.

Jackson, he said, needs to copy Lady Gaga in marketing. He said the city ought to seize upon its unique assets and, figuratively speaking, shoot fireworks from its brassiere.

One tasty and unique asset is the birth of the coney dog almost 98 years ago.

In the spirit of Lady Gaga, this calls for a festive Coney Dog Centennial in 2014.

Summit meetings and speeches from visiting heads of state could mark the centennial, but I favor a gaudy, mustard-splattered spectacle. Jackson could cook and eat the world’s longest coney. Or maybe we could set a Guinness World Record for mass consumption.

While we’re at it, let’s thank the Macedonian families that invented the food Michigan people miss most when they move away.

A Coney Dog Centennial would be fun and it has strong potential to attract outside attention.

No matter what, if Jackson cultivates an image as birthplace of the coney, curious eaters will forever exit I-94 to try them. That I guarantee.

The Chamber of Commerce already has expressed interest in a Coney Dog Centennial, and I hereby volunteer to do anything to help.

Anything, that is, except wear a pyrotechnic bra. Mine’s at the cleaner.